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Mercer calls on students to help fight malaria

TORONTO — Canadian TV personality Rick Mercer is once again challenging students to contribute to the fight against malaria.

The comedian has partnered with Plan Canada for the 7th annual Spread the Net Student Challenge, in which schools compete to raise funds for $10 malaria-preventing bed nets.

The competition is open to students at elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools. Students can register at spreadthenet.ca.

The top fundraising schools will receive a visit from Mercer that will be taped for a segment that will air on his eponymous show.

“Malaria claims the lives of over 660,000 people each year, and it remains the leading cause of death in children under five,” Mercer explained, in a press release. “Malaria is spread through mosquito bites, and an insecticide-treated bed net is the most effective way of preventing the disease.”